The ongoing war in Ukraine has taken a toll on millions of people, especially children. Many of them face the challenges of conflict, displacement, and uncertainty, and lack the opportunity to play and have fun. But a British online platform called Find Refuge is trying to change that by connecting givers worldwide with Ukrainian families in need of toys.
Find Refuge is an online endeavour that aims to provide and receive help for people affected by the war in Ukraine. The platform was founded by Arthur Corvin Powells, who was moved by the plight of the Ukrainians after the Russian invasion of their country. He said: “Children deeply need the warmth of love and care, the experience of growing and discovering the world through play, and the assurance that dreams can come true. If it’s a dream about a toy, making it a reality is often straightforward. So if your children have outgrown a particular toy, consider passing it on. Offer that joy to another child. It’s genuinely that simple!”
One of the initiatives within Find Refuge is Circle of Toys, which strives to bridge the gap between givers and receivers of toys. The project was launched with the help of Kenza Hadj-Brahim, a compassionate young woman who landed a job at Find Refuge after a chance encounter with Powells in a coffee shop. She said: “We discussed with our psychological volunteers, and they said that it was very important for a kid’s development and mental health to play with toys and just to develop their minds properly. So this is where the initiative came from.”
Circle of Toys allows people to donate their preloved toys to Ukrainian children who need them. The process is simple and safe. Participants can visit the official website and register. There, they can select a request that aligns with the age and theme of their toy. Each submission undergoes a thorough review to ascertain genuine intentions. Once approved, participants will receive the family’s mailing address to send their toy. The platform also has an inbuilt translator to facilitate communication between givers and receivers.
The response to the initiative has been enthusiastic and overwhelming. So far, Circle of Toys has managed over 7000 requests and received the dedicated support of 1684 volunteers. The project has brought joy and normalcy to the young lives in Ukraine, who have been able to play and have fun with their new toys. The initiative has also nurtured creativity, encouraged social interaction, and empowered children to play independently, offering respite to parents who cannot always supervise.
Circle of Toys is not only a project that provides toys, but also a project that fosters hope and solidarity. The initiative shows that there are many people out there who care and want to help. Find Refuge envisions a future where it broadens its scope, uniting people across the globe, connecting them so they can provide and receive help. As Powells said: “Toys are more than mere playthings. They are sources of comfort and support. They are symbols of kindness and generosity. They are bridges of friendship and peace.”
Relevant articles:
– Circle of Toys. Supporting Families in Conflict Zones
– Empowering woman saving hopes and mental health of Ukrainian children …
– Circle of Toys. Supporting Families in Conflict Zones